So, you’ve decided to embark on the wild, wonderful journey of freelance writing. You’ve got the skills, the motivation, and maybe even some killer yoga pants (essential writing attire, if you ask me). But there’s one big question looming in front of you: Where do I find ideas for stories and articles to pitch?
Finding stories to write and getting them published can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack—except you’re also juggling coffee, deadlines, and maybe a cat trying to nap on your keyboard. Fear not! I’m here to help you uncover the goldmines of inspiration, publication spots, and everything in between.
Step 1: Where to Look for Story Ideas
The world is full of stories waiting to be written—you just have to know where to find them! Here’s a tried-and-true process to help you get inspired:
- Personal Experiences – You’d be surprised how many stories can come from your own life. Whether it’s a funny anecdote, a travel adventure, or a lesson learned the hard way (we’ve all been there), people love relatable content. My blogs—msmissyb.com, Sick Girl Diaries, and MS Coast Girl—are packed with personal stories that resonate with my readers.
- News and Trends – Keep your finger on the pulse by reading the news daily. Current events can spark article ideas or provide a new angle for an existing topic. Set up Google Alerts for topics you care about or want to write about.
- Social Media – Twitter, Facebook groups, Reddit, and Instagram are great places to observe what people are talking about, what’s trending, and what’s gaining traction. A single viral post could be the inspiration for a fresh take in your next article.
- Industry Publications – Read, read, and read some more. Subscribe to niche newsletters, blogs, and magazines in your areas of interest. If you want to write about lifestyle, beauty, or health, those publications are a goldmine for inspiration.
- Conversations with Others – Sometimes, the best ideas come from random conversations with friends, family, or even strangers. You might overhear something interesting at a coffee shop or during a Zoom call (because eavesdropping is less awkward online).
- Forums and Quora – People ask questions online all the time, and some of those questions can be turned into full-blown articles. Quora is a treasure trove of ideas waiting to be transformed into content.
Step 2: Where to Find Places to Submit Your Work
Once you’ve found your inspiration and written your piece, it’s time to figure out where to submit it. Luckily, there are plenty of places looking for fresh, engaging content from freelance writers like you.
- Online Platforms
- Medium: A straightforward way to publish your articles and reach a wide audience. You can join publications on Medium, like The Startup or P.S. I Love You, that cater to specific niches.
- Substack: Great for long-form content. Start your own newsletter or submit to existing Substack writers who feature guest posts.
- Freelance Writing Job Boards
- ProBlogger Job Board: Find clients and publications willing to pay for freelance articles. It’s competitive, but there are often good gigs to be found.
- Contena: A premium site for finding freelance writing jobs that’s easy to use if you’re serious about making money.
- Local Newspapers and Regional Magazines
- The Sea Coast Echo, my local paper in Bay St Louis, MS, was a great place to start building my portfolio. Look for local and regional publications, as they’re often more receptive to new freelance writers.
- Lifestyle and Niche Magazines: If you specialize in a particular topic (like health, fashion, or travel), you can pitch your articles to relevant niche magazines.
- Content Platforms
- Textbroker: If you’re just starting, platforms like Textbroker offer opportunities to write for various clients. You won’t become a millionaire here, but you will get paid for your work.
- Upwork: While competitive, Upwork can be a place to find freelance writing gigs, especially for content marketing and blog writing.
- Publications Accepting Submissions
- The Write Life has an extensive list of websites and magazines that pay writers. Use it as a starting point when looking for places to pitch your ideas.
- Writer’s Digest and Poets & Writers: Both have submission opportunities and tips for finding your next writing gig.
- Pitch Directly to Editors – If you have an article idea that’s perfect for a specific magazine or blog, find the editor’s email address and send a pitch. Just make sure to personalize your pitch—nobody likes a generic email.
Step 3: The Submission Process (The “Real” Fun)
Now that you’ve written your masterpiece and found a place to submit it, here’s how to get it out into the world:
- Follow the Guidelines – Every publication has its own submission process. Pay close attention to word count, formatting, and how they prefer to receive pitches.
- Write a Killer Pitch – Your pitch is your first impression. Keep it short, engaging, and to the point. Highlight why your story matters and how it fits with their audience.
- Don’t Fear Rejection – Freelancing involves rejection—it’s part of the process. Don’t take it personally! Just keep pitching, refining your ideas, and submitting your work.
- Track Your Submissions – Keep a spreadsheet of where you’ve submitted your work and when. This way, you won’t double-pitch or forget to follow up.
In Conclusion: Keep the Inspiration Flowing
Finding stories and places to submit them is a freelance writer’s ongoing challenge, but it’s also what keeps the work exciting. Remember to keep your eyes and ears open for inspiration everywhere, build your portfolio, and don’t get discouraged if the first submission doesn’t land. With enough persistence, your writing will find its home—and hopefully, a paycheck too.